9/11 Health and Compensation Act Press Conference

(White Plains - August 12) Today at Fire Station #6 in White Plains, Senator Stewart-Cousins joined U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to call for passage of a permanent extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The measure, first passed in 2010, followed action taken in New York State (Jimmy Nolan's Law named for a Yonkers carpenter) to recognize the second wave of victims. The second wave are the first responders and others who were falling ill years later, after being exposed to the toxic pile of debris of what was left of the World Trade Center. At the time, Jimmy Nolan's Law allowed an additional one-year period for eligible workers to file claims to receive workers compensation. However, New York recognized it could not go it alone and sought assistance at the federal level to help shoulder the cost and care required of these brave men and women.

Now, 14 years after September 11th, more than 33,000 9/11 responders, as well as survivors of the attacks, including area residents, workers and children, have an illness or injury caused by the attacks or their aftermath, and over two-thirds of those have more than one illness. So far, 4,385 cancers have been found among 9/11 responders and survivors, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control.

“The Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act has provided crucial support for the brave men and women who served in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks,” said New York State Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “I was proud to lead New York State’s efforts to provide services for our first responders and I am honored to join Senator Gillibrand in calling on the federal government to continue providing essential aid to these American heroes. Senator Gillibrand understands that we owe an everlasting debt of gratitude to those who answered their nation’s call during our time of need and therefore the Zadroga Act must be made permanent.”

Thank you our local White Plains Firefighters and Police Officers, and the Yonkers Firefighters who also attended in support of the Zadroga Act's permanent extension.